In the world of health advocacy some voices stand out for their dedication, resilience, and ability to inspire others. One such voice is Mattie Fisher, a social media influencer and global advocate for Medtronic Diabetes, a company helping to reduce the burden of diabetes, who has turned her personal battle with type 1 diabetes into a platform for education and support. In this interview, Mattie shares her journey from diagnosis to becoming an influential figure in the diabetes community. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she has faced, the importance of mental health, and the role of social media in her advocacy work.
As a bonus Mattie has graciously shared one of her original and favorite vegan recipes – Plant-Based BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.
Donna Sanders: Hi Mattie. We have met a few times at various agricultural conventions and that was where I learned that you are a type 1 Diabetic. But what was even more fascinating is your affiliation with Medtronic and the work you are doing with them. Before we talk about that can you tell me when and how you and your family discovered that you developed type 1 Diabetes?
Mattie Fisher: Sure. I was diagnosed when I was 12 years-old. I remember feeling extremely thirsty all the time, losing a lot of weight, and frequently needing to use the bathroom. My mom, thinking the weight loss might be related to the braces I had just gotten, decided to check my blood sugar at my grandfather’s house. It was 538. We went to the hospital, and after some tests, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was a shock since there wasn’t much family history of diabetes.
DS: That must have been a significant change for you and your family. How did everyone cope with the new diagnosis?
Staying Calm And Positive Key To Adjusting
Mattie: It was definitely a big change but my family was incredibly supportive. We learned everything we could from the doctors and my parents made sure to stay calm and positive. It became our new way of life. I had to start taking shots and checking my blood sugar, but overall, the transition was smooth. My family adapted quickly and it wasn’t as traumatic as some other stories I’ve heard.
DS: That’s wonderful to hear. I know that diet and lifestyle adjustments can be challenging for someone with diabetes. How did you and your family manage those changes?
Mattie: The key thing about type 1 diabetes is that we can eat pretty much anything as long as we take the appropriate insulin dose. My mom continued to cook the same meals for the family, and I learned to make adjustments where needed. I had my Diet Coke, sugar-free hot chocolate, and knew which foods were ‘free’ and didn’t require insulin. It was a learning process, but my mom made sure it was as seamless as possible for me and my siblings.
DS: Speaking of adjustments, you mentioned that you were an ambassador for Medtronic before becoming an influencer. Can you explain the difference between these roles and how it all happened?
Becoming An Influencer In The Diabetic World
Mattie: Absolutely. It started with me sharing my experiences and managing my diabetes using their products. They noticed my content and reached out, asking me to be an ambassador. As an ambassador for Medtronic, I was sharing my experiences and providing educational content about their products. It was more of a passion project. Over time, as they liked my content more, I transitioned into the influencer role allowing them to use my content for campaigns.
The role of influencer is more structured. I work closely with the company to create campaigns. I share my videos and other educational materials. It’s still my personal story but we collaborate on how to best present it to the audience.
DS: Creating content for social media can be quite demanding. What motivates you to keep going and sharing your story?
Mattie: My main motivation is helping others. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t have many resources or people to look up to who were going through the same thing. By sharing my journey, I hope to provide support and education to others who are managing their diabetes. It’s rewarding to hear from people who have found my content helpful.
DS: That’s incredibly inspiring. Managing diabetes is not just about the physical aspects but also the mental health challenges. Can you share your experience with that?
‘I Hated Feeling Different…’
Mattie: Absolutely. Mental health is a huge part of managing a chronic illness like diabetes. During my teenage years, I struggled a lot with accepting my condition. I hated feeling different and dealing with the daily responsibilities of managing diabetes. This led to some tough times mentally. However, over the years, I’ve learned the importance of mental health and have worked hard to maintain a positive outlook. Sharing my story has also been therapeutic and has helped me connect with others facing similar challenges.
DS: It’s great that you’re bringing attention to the mental health aspect. Now, I want to ask about your transition to using an insulin pump. How did that change your management routine?
Mattie: I started using an insulin pump when I was 15. Initially, I hated it. I didn’t want people to know I had diabetes and the pump made it more visible. I felt like my internal struggle was now on display. After a while, I stopped using it and went back to multiple daily injections which I’ve been doing ever since. It was more about feeling comfortable and in control of my condition.
DS: It sounds like you’ve found what works best for you. Did you face any particular challenges during your teenage years with managing diabetes especially with social situations like parties?
Social Situations Can Be Tough To Navigate
Mattie: Yes, those years were challenging. Social situations, especially those involving food and drinks, were difficult to navigate. I had to be disciplined about my choices and sometimes had to explain why I couldn’t join in certain activities. It wasn’t easy, but I found a balance that worked for me. My friends were supportive which made a big difference.
DS: That’s great to hear. As a social media influencer, you have a significant platform. How do you use it to educate and support others with diabetes?
Mattie: I use my platform to share my daily life and how I manage my diabetes. I create educational content, such as how-to videos on using diabetes products and tips for managing blood sugar levels. I also share personal stories to connect with my audience on a deeper level. It’s about providing valuable information and showing others that they are not alone in their journey.
DS: Your work is undoubtedly making a difference. What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with diabetes?
Mattie: My advice would be to take it one day at a time. It’s overwhelming at first, but you will find a routine that works for you. Educate yourself as much as possible and connect with others who have diabetes. Support groups, whether online or in-person, can be incredibly helpful. And most importantly don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a learning process and it’s okay to have ups and downs.
DS: Wise words indeed. Before we wrap up is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Mattie: I just want to emphasize the importance of mental health in managing a chronic illness. It’s okay to seek help and talk about how you’re feeling. And for those without diabetes, please be supportive and understanding of those who do. Small gestures can make a big difference.
